USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Hawthorne Race Course Race 5 (Pick 4)
Date: 7/5/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $10,000

Ticket: 2,9/4,8,10/1,3,4/6,7,10– Cost: $27.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Yesterday, we had a rough go of things as the two horses we used on top were not good this week.  LASS A ROPE looked very strong on the lead and never gave it up turning for home.  The official trifecta was 3/10/1 and paid $108.40.

Breakdown:

Race 5: #2 CJ’S REAL DEAL was second last week after getting a near perfect trip.  He gets a driver change to Tim Curtin who really likes to win.  I expect him to be close later on in the mile as he is one who likes to close.  #9 ETHAN HANOVER has won two straight against this class both of them being on the lead.  The concern here is the post position.

Race 6: #4 REMEMBER THE PARTY really needed the tightener last week coming back off the long layoff and boy did it pay off.  She gets a really good draw this week and with a better trip, she could very well be the one to beat.  #8 DAY OF DECISION was third best last week, but she was forced three-wide around the final turn.  She could have some trouble this week from post eight, but if Tim Curtin can get into a good early position she may be tough.  #10 ASHLEE’S JOY could provide the value needed in the Pick 4 sequence.  She isn’t a big speedy filly, but she is a horse who can close from off the pace.  Look for her to be around late.

Race 7: #1 DRAGON JEWEL seems to like being on the front end, but sometimes doesn’t get off the car all that well.  He draws the rail which could play to his advantage, but Husted needs to have him geared up at the beginning.  #3 THE RIGHT MOVE could be the favorite after she had a roughed up trip last week.  She draws well again and just needs to be close to have a strong chance.  #4 SHEWON’TDALIAROUND has been very unlucky with the post draw as of late.  The post draw could very well make the difference here.

Race 8: #6 FRONTIER FRANK was second against the tougher company last week where he got a perfect trip and just drove on in the stretch.  He draws a little tough but gets a very big driver change which could make a difference.  #7 FOX VALLEY HIJINX is the most consistent horse in the field having hit the board in every start this year except one.  There isn’t a lot of value, but you could close a very nice Pick 4 with him.  #10 YOUMAKEMYHEARTSING has won two straight against this class, one of them from post nine where he started fourteen lengths off the lead and fired home strongly.  Look for him to be around late.